Thursday October 8, 2009 IT'S NOT OURS!
All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means 'Son of Encouragement'). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles for those in need. Acts 4:32-35 Okay, I'm bringing up Joyce Meyer again. I enjoy listening to her share how God got her out of selfishness. Now, she gives away things at even the smallest request of whomever she is around. She gives away everything from pictures to jewelry in order to be obedient to the Lord. She lives the theory that nothing she owns is hers alone. Godly principle! In every service at River of Life Worship Center, Pastor Lee Berger reminds his people that everything they give into the Kingdom is actually God's anyway; in essence, when we give "to the least of these" we are giving unto God perfectly. Right now, our ministry is not doing well monetarily. Over the last six months, giving from outside the Board has ceased, with one or two exceptions. Part of me feels that we need to just shut everything down. However, just because the money isn't coming in - hurting people still need our help. God pointed out Barnabas for several reasons: he was willing to make a sacrifice for the good of others; he was willing to not only give his money, but also his time; and, he encouraged everyone he came in contact with. We would do well to emulate his lifestyle. When we give our tithes, our offerings, or a complete sacrifice it should never be for acclaim, but for the Kingdom and His glory. Father, thank You for teaching us the principle of giving. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive - for more reasons than one. Thank You for giving all that You are so that we can know You! O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
